Home Remedies for Itching in Private Parts

Itching in your private parts is an embarrassing topic to discuss, but it’s more common than you think.

While both men and women can experience itching in their private areas at some point in their life, women are more prone to this problem.

Genital areas are the most delicate areas of our bodies. And itching in the sensitive areas like the vagina and vulva can be very uncomfortable. It can drive the sufferer insane with the constant urge to itch.

Diseases like diabetes, tuberculosis and cancer; infestation of pinworms; and drugs like steroids, antibiotics and anticancer drugs increase the chance for infection in the private parts.

Sometimes itching can be due to poor hygiene or simply an allergy to undergarments made with polyester. Excessive stress and a weak immune system also might act as a catalyst to this problem.

Apart from itching, there can be other symptoms like vaginal pain, redness, slight bleeding in the area, foul and smelly discharge from the vagina, and painful urination in some cases.

If you are suffering from itching in your private parts, it’s time to take serious action. In most cases, you can treat the problem without any medical intervention. There are several effective and simple home remedies to treat itching down there.

1. Hygiene

Maintaining proper hygiene is a prerequisite to prevent itching in your private parts. Proper hygiene will prevent harmful microbes from growing in the sensitive area and causing a yeast or bacterial infection.

A 2005 study published in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy highlights the antifungal activity of fresh garlic extract against C. albicans biofilms (1).

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A 2014 study published in the Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine explained the therapeutic benefits of garlic in combating various microbial infections (2).

Another 2014 study published in the Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal found that garlic could be a suitable alternative for metronidazole in treating bacterial vaginosis in those interested in herbal medicines or those affected by side effects of metronidazole (3).

For topical use: Dilute a few drops of garlic oil in 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil. Apply it on the affected area. Wait 10 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water. Use this remedy twice daily for a few weeks.

4. Greek Yogurt

For mild itching in the private parts, Greek yogurt is an excellent natural remedy.

Greek yogurt is a probiotic, as it contains live bacteria, such as lactobacillus acidophilus. These bacteria are essential to creating a healthy environment in your vagina. They can help treat an overgrowth of microbes and help maintain the pH balance.

A 2006 review of research published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy found that some probiotics can be effective against C. albicans (4).

A 2012 study published in the Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine reports the effectiveness of using yogurt to treat the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis (5).

For topical use: You can apply raw Greek yogurt directly in your vagina. To apply, soak a tampon in plain, Greek yogurt and insert it into your vagina. Leave it for 2 hours, and repeat the process twice a day until the itchiness stops.

For consumption: Eat 1 to 2 cups of Greek yogurt daily. However, make sure that the yogurt doesn’t contain added sugar, which can lead to growth of the candida fungus.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar

To stop the itching sensation in your private parts, you can use raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar too.

It contains antifungal and antibacterial properties, thus it can help kill the microbes that can cause an infection in the sensitive area and lead to intense itching. It also helps restore the natural pH balance of your vagina.

For topical use:

Soak a tampon in a diluted mixture of equal parts of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and water. Insert it into your vagina for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the tampon, rinse the genital area with warm water and dry it completely. Do it twice daily.

Alternatively, add 2 cups of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar to your bathwater and soak in it for about 20 minutes.

A 2006 study published in Clinical Microbiology Reviews reports that the medicinal properties of tea tree oil are due to a chemical compound called terpinen-4-ol, which is effective against germs causing bacterial and yeast infections (6).

A 2015 study published in Phytotherapy Research confirms the efficacy of tea tree oil to prevent acute or recurrent vaginal candidiasis (7).

For topical use only:

Add 4 to 6 drops of tea tree oil to your bathwater. Soak in this water for 10 to 15 minutes. Do this once daily until you get relief from the itching.

Alternatively, add 4 to 6 drops of tea tree oil to 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel and mix well. Apply this mixture on your genital area. Wait 15 minutes, then rinse it off with water. Do it twice daily.

7. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is also effective in treating infections in the private parts that can cause intense itching.

It is rich in antiviral, antifungal and antimicrobial properties that help fight the growth of microbes. Also, coconut oil taken internally helps boost the immune system.

In a 2011 scientific review of studies published in the Journal of Women’s Health, experts suggest that boric acid is a safe, alternative, economical option for women with recurrent and chronic symptoms of vaginitis (11).

For topical use only:

Add ¼ teaspoon of boric acid to 1 cup of water. Mix it well. Rinse your private parts with this solution. Do this twice daily until the itching subsides.

Alternatively, you can use boric acid vaginal suppositories that are available in the market. Use it as directed.

Caution: Do not take boric acid orally. If you’re pregnant, you should not use boric acid in any form.

9. Oregano Oil

Oregano oil is another good home remedy for keeping a check on the growth of microbes, especially candida growth that causes yeast infections and intense itching.

It contains antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties and helps balance the pH level of the vagina.

A 2001 study published in Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry found that wild oregano oil could stop or slow the growth of C. albicans, depending on the dosage used (12).

For topical use: Mix 2 or 3 drops of oregano oil into 1 tablespoon of virgin coconut oil. Apply it on the itchy area. Leave it for 2 hours before rinsing it off with warm water. Repeat the remedy once or twice daily until any itchiness and signs of infection have gone.

For consumption: Add 5 drops of oregano oil to a glass of warm water. Drink it 1 or 2 times a day.

Caution: Do not take oregano oil if you take blood thinners for another health condition. Also, avoid oregano oil if you are pregnant.

10. Indian Lilac

Indian lilac, also known as neem, is a great home remedy for genital infections.

It contains strong antifungal and antibacterial properties that help fight the infection and reduce itching and other discomforts.

For topical use:

Put a handful of neem leaves to 4 cups of water and boil it for 10 minutes. Allow the water to cool down, and use it to rinse your private parts twice daily.

Alternatively, mix a few drops of neem oil in coconut oil and dab it on your private parts. Gently wipe it off after 20 minutes. Do it 2 or 3 times a day.

For consumption:

You can drink neem tea a couple of times daily, or take neem capsules after consulting your doctor.

Additional Tips

Avoid whirlpool baths, as they help bacteria grow in the vagina all the more.

When suffering from itchiness in your private parts, try sleeping without wearing underwear.

Only wear cotton underwear, as the fabric is light in weight and allows the area to breathe as well.

Avoid thong underwear and nylon or silk underwear.

As much as possible, wear loose clothing to allow more air flow around the infected area and to prevent a buildup of moisture.

In Vitro Antimicrobial Properties of Coconut Oil on Candida Species in Ibadan, Nigeria. A Definition for Wildness | Ecopsychology. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/jmf.2006.1209.

Comparison of Antimicrobial Activity of Chlorhexidine, Coconut Oil, Probiotics, and Ketoconazole on Candida albicans Isolated in Children with Early Childhood Caries: An In Vitro Study. International Scholarly Research Notices. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/scientifica/2016/7061587/abs. Published March 14, 2016.

All the tips mentioned here are strictly informational. This site does not provide medical advice. Consult with your doctor or other health care provider before using any of these tips or treatments. Read more.